FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
6-4 Area Security
instead of having the entire element move as a unit from
point to point. This reduces the chances of being spotted.
6-10. After the objective has been reconnoitered for the
details outlined in the order, all elements return to the
ORP. Teams share their information, consolidate it, and
report it, then return to the patrol HQ or continue to the
next mission.
ZONE RECONNAISSANCE
6-11. A zone reconnaissance is a directed effort to obtain
detailed information concerning all routes, obstacles (to
include chemical or radiological contamination), terrain,
and enemy forces within a zone defined by boundaries. A
zone reconnaissance is normally assigned when the
enemy situation is vague or information concerning
cross-country trafficability is desired. Zone
reconnaissance techniques include the use of moving
elements, stationary teams, or a series of area
reconnaissance actions. Refer to FM 7-8 and FM 17-98.
6-12. The four methods used to conduct a zone
reconnaissance are—
• Box method.
• Fan method.
• Converging routes method.
• Successive sector method.
Box Method
6-13. To use the box method (Figure 6-1), the leader
sends his reconnaissance and security teams from the
ORP along the routes that form a boxed-in area. He
sends other teams along routes through the area within
the box. All teams meet at a linkup point at the far side
of the box from the ORP.